PC Nerds: Critique this $450 PC build Digital Foundry made

[Gorilla Gunk]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-introducing-the-digital-foundry-pc

I'm not a computer person so I have no idea whether this is a decent build for that price but it seems to run Skyrim okay or at least better than a PS3 which is all I really want a PC for save for L4D2 and some F2P shooters. Seems pretty cheap and cheaper for me considering I already have a mid-tower case. This also seems like a good jumping off point, like I can use this for awhile and then start upgrading it.

But I want to hear some peoples opinions on this. I know for every build thread I've seen there's always a bunch of people who say "X is better for only a bit more" or "You can get a Y for way cheaper," or sometimes "This entire build is shit and wouldn't play Pac-Man without melting."

PS: I'm probably off on the quid-to-dollars thing. Everything I googled saud it was around that amount though.

PSS: If this thing can run Portal 2, then it means it should have no trouble running L$4D2, right?

PSSS: I'm also assuming that since all of this can fit in the cheap case they shop that it can will have no problem fitting inside my case.

 

[Guy from the 80's]

People are probably going to disagree with this but......

Get a pc that you can upgrade in the future. In other words, get a good motherboard that can fit big cards to when cards get even bigger and you dont have any space issues. Sometimes, cheap PC's are often something older turned up to max, or at least thats my impression. (I'm not really a PC person either but I do love pc gaming) So get a big roomy cabinet, and be prepared to upgrade in the future. Its much better to spend a bit extra on a cabinet you can add all sorts of uppgrades to rather than spending 400 bucks every now and then.

I actually bought a factory pc, but its no problem upgrading it and even though its around 4 years old I can still play anything I want no problem.(the only uppgrade I have done was the graphics card, bought a GTX570) You might want to invest in either a good fan or water cooling so you dont have a jet engine when you play stuff that requires a lot of juice. I got a water cooled system and my HD is what makes the most noise. But, water cooling is more difficult to replace than a fan....or eat least it is for me.

 

[Cronq]

Portal 2 is one of the more demanding Source games, so if it plays that well it can play them all. Huge swarms in L4D can be the most demanding though, but that is more of a peak occurrence.

Any ATX case can usually fit any ATX sized motherboard and power supply. No promises if you are trying to use an OEM builder (Dell, HP) case if any parts will fit.

As far as price goes, similar builds can vary by measurable percentages if you are willing to shop around and be patient for sales and rebates. If you browse slickdeals.net for a month, I promise you can build a very nice gaming PC for $300.

 

[The Lunatic]

It's been said many times.

There are just some people who don't want the better gaming experience that PC gives, a lot of people are content to use consoles.

PC Gaming will always be a better experience, we can always remain on the bleeding edge, we can always tweak and change things, and mods can change everything.

It's unfortunate the publishers and developers are starting to ignore these vital aspects of PC gaming.

I kinda wish more people would take more interest in the industry.

As for the computer, it's not bad.

However, it doesn't offer much in the way of future upgrading, which is an issue.

Given the price however, that's kinda what you get.